Wearable electronic device with interface

ABSTRACT

A wearable electronic device comprises a ring body defining an annular receiving space within the ring body and a substrate disposed in the annular receiving space. The ring body has an interface disposed on an exterior of the ring body. The substrate has a plurality of capacitive plates positioned proximate the interface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/262,758, filed on Sep. 12, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/179,097, filed on Feb. 12, 2014,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/827,341, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/713,200, filed on Oct. 12, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wearable electronic device, and moreparticularly, to a wearable electronic device having an interface forelectronic communications.

BACKGROUND

Mobile computing devices, such as mobile phones, are increasinglyprevalent. As additional functions are developed for mobile computingdevices, users spend more time using the devices. Known mobile computingdevices, however, require a user to look at and interact with a screenin order to use the mobile computing device. Although mobile computingdevices are useful in a wide range of applications, the increasingamount of time spent looking at the screen of mobile computing devicesdetracts from social encounters and also diminishes other interactionsof the user with his environment. Mobile computing device users have aneed to easily and intuitively utilize the benefits of the mobilecomputing device without spending large quantities of time looking atthe screen.

SUMMARY

A wearable electronic device comprises a ring body defining an annularreceiving space within the ring body and a substrate disposed in theannular receiving space. The ring body has an interface disposed on anexterior of the ring body. The substrate has a plurality of capacitiveplates positioned proximate the interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference tothe accompanying figures, of which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radiofrequency identification tag in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded side view of a jewelry piece with aninterchangeable radio frequency identification tag in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view, with components again exploded as inFIG. 2, of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequencyidentification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of the commandmodule in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of a jewelrypiece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of a jewelrypiece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section view of an example of a jewelrypiece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tag inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views of an example of ajewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequency identification tagin accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are schematic cross-sectional views of anexample of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequencyidentification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 is perspective view of a wearable electronic device according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the wearable electronic device of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a substrate of the wearable electronicdevice of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of another substrate of the wearableelectronic device of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of components of the substrate shown in FIG.12;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the wearable electronic device of FIG.10;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the wearable electronic device of FIG.10;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a wireless communication system accordingto the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an earbud of the wireless communicationsystem of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the earbud of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the earbud of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 10and a user;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of gestures of the wearable electronicdevice of FIG. 10;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of notifications of the wearable electronicdevice of FIG. 10;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the gestures of FIG. 22 along withactions and states; and

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the notifications of FIG. 23 along withconditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be consideredpart of the entire written description. In the description, relativeterms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,”“below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof(e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should beconstrued to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown inthe drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenienceof description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed oroperated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments,coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” referto a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to oneanother either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, aswell as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unlessexpressly described otherwise.

In FIGS. 1 through 6, like items are indicated by like referencenumerals and, for brevity, descriptions of a component or structure arenot repeated. Materials describing the manufacture of a component in onedescription can be used to manufacture that component in each embodimentunless specifically stated otherwise.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a piece ofjewelry connected with an interchangeable radio frequency identification(RFID) tag. The apparatus is provided to enable a user to convenientlyand unobtrusively carry a RFID tag with a low probability of loss ordamage to the tag.

In some embodiments, the jewelry piece is a ring. However, other jewelrypieces would be suitable for use in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Specifically, the present disclosure could be used toconnect an interchangeable RFID tag with watches, pendants, brooches,earrings and other body piercing jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, amulets,medallions, hairpins, and any suitable jewelry pieces.

There are generally three types of RFID tags: active, passive, andbattery-assisted passive. In some embodiments of the present disclosureuses a passive tag, which is generally cheaper and smaller than activeor battery-assisted passive tags because it requires no independentpower source. A passive tag uses the radio energy transmitted by a RFIDreader as its power source. However, any type of RFID tag would besuitable for use with the present disclosure. Use of an active orbattery-assisted passive RFID tag requires the addition of anindependent power source such as a battery to the disclosed apparatus.The active RFID tags embodied in this disclosure are additionallycapable of low- or reduced-power modes. In this disclosure, an RFID tagis not necessarily limited to any specific operating frequency. An RFIDtag useable with the present invention may also operate with eitherregulated or unregulated frequencies.

FIG. 1 is a side view of one example of a jewelry piece 100 with aninterchangeable RFID tag in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 1 shows the exterior of the apparatus with allcomponent pieces assembled. Viewing the exterior, a user or viewer ofthe apparatus sees a cap 2, a housing 14, and a ring 16, which aredescribed in further detail below.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded side view of an example of a jewelrypiece 100 with an interchangeable RFID tag in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates howconstituent pieces of the apparatus are fitted together in theillustrated embodiment.

Cap 2 is formed from a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, orlike material including glass or plastic. Cap 2 is often formed as a“cabochon” having a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and aflat surface. In the alternative, the cap can have a concave surface anda flat surface. The shape of cap 2 can vary, employing any suitablegemstone cutting techniques. Cap 2 is connected to housing 14 by cement,glue, solder, or other suitable adhesive.

Below cap 2 is a RFID tag 6 which may be of any suitable type andconfiguration but is illustrated as a RFID wafer. RFID tag 6 is disposedwithin a buffer ring 8. In some embodiments, buffer ring 8 is composedof a ferrite material. Buffer ring 8 is disposed within housing 14. RFIDtag 6, buffer ring 8, and the inner diameter of housing 14 are sized tominimize movement of the RFID tag 6 during use of the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the jewelry piece 100 includes one or both of a topspacer 4 and bottom spacer 10 to further minimize movement of RFID tag 6during use. In some embodiments, top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10 arecomposed of a material that does not substantially inhibit radiofrequency transmission such as plastic or glass. A material does notsubstantially inhibit radio frequency transmission if the transmissionrange is not notably reduced by using that material. Materials that dono substantially inhibit radio frequency transmission, such as glass andplastic, are substantially permissive materials.

In some embodiments, top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10 are composed ofmaterials which inhibit radio frequency transmission, such as most metalalloys, as a way to limit the range of enclosed RFID tag 6. For example,if RFID tag 6 is readable from a distance of three feet from a jewelrypiece 100 without top spacer 4 or bottom spacer 10, but if it is desiredthat RFID tag 6 only be readable at a distance of six inches fromjewelry piece 100, then one or both of top spacer 4 and bottom spacer 10may comprise a material which inhibits radio frequency transmission,which may be added to jewelry piece 100 to reduce the effective readingrange of RFID tag 6. In some embodiments, the range of RFID tag 6 may belimited by the structure of RFID tag 6 or may be limited by programming.Also, spacers may not be necessary to limit the range but may be desirednonetheless to immobilize the contents of jewelry piece 100.

The unit formed by cap 2, RFID tag 6, buffer ring 8, and housing 14,when connected, is referred to as a command module 20. In someembodiments of the present disclosure, command module 20 is fullyinterchangeable, meaning a first command module connected to ring 16 canbe removed and replaced with a second command module.

Housing 14 is formed from stainless steel, precious metal (gold, silver,platinum, and the like), or any suitable material for forming jewelry,such as carbon fiber or titanium alloys. Housing 14 is sized to fitwithin a receiving area 18 of ring 16. Housing 14 is connected to ring16 by a screw post 12, which is a threaded member that is rotatablyinserted into a threaded slot 22 in ring 16.

Ring 16 is formed from stainless steel, precious metal (gold, silver,platinum, and the like), or any suitable material for forming jewelry,such as carbon fiber or titanium alloys. In some embodiments, ring 16may be formed from various insulating materials such as ceramic, nylon,acrylic, Lexan, Lucite, or the like, which provide non-radio waveinterference properties, allow for low cost of production, low weight,improve esthetics, and can be easy to remove in an emergency.

In some embodiments, a ring formed from ceramic or similar material isgiven the appearance of a precious metal or other metal through chemicalvapor deposition of a metal coating on the exterior surface of the ring.In other embodiments, a ring formed from ceramic or similar material isgiven the appearance of a precious metal or other metal through ionicbeam subsurface deposition of metal below the exterior surface of thering. Such embodiments have the advantage of appearing as metal ringswhile having minimal RF interference due to their ceramic construction.

Ring 16 includes a receiving area 18 and threaded slot 22 for receivinghousing 14 and screw post 12, respectively. Housing 14 and ring 16 canbe formed from the same material or different materials.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view, with components again exploded as inFIG. 2, of a jewelry piece with an interchangeable radio frequencyidentification tag in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 illustrates how the constituentcomponents of jewelry piece 100 are fitted together. In the illustratedembodiment, RFID tag 6 is disposed within buffer ring 8, which in turnis disposed within housing 14 along with top spacer 4 and bottom spacer10. Cap 2 is adhered to housing 14 to form command module 20. Commandmodule 20 is operatively connected to ring 16 via a screw post 12 (notvisible in FIG. 3) rotatably inserted into threaded slot 22.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, cap 40 comprises a top 42connected to a threaded member 44 which can be rotatably inserted into athreaded recess 46 on ring 48. Top 42 is formed from a gemstone, asynthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass orplastic. Top 42 is adhered or mounted to threaded member 44. A RFID tag6 is disposed within a buffer ring 8, which is then disposed withinthreaded recess 46. Cap 40 seals RFID tag 6 and buffer ring 8 within thethreaded recess 46 when rotatably inserted into the threaded recess 46.In some embodiments, one or more spacers can be included on either sideof RFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. The one or more spacers canbe either substantially permissive or substantially inhibiting, asdescribed above.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, ease of access to an enclosed RFIDtag provides another means of interchangeability. In some embodiments,rather than changing out the entire command module 20, a user canunscrew cap 40 from ring 48 to remove cap 40, permitting access to andexchange of the enclosed RFID tag 6.

In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 5, the command module 20 is affixedto a modified ring 52 via a retaining clip 50. Retaining clip 50 isshaped to fit about the bottom of housing 14, and has a bulbousprotrusion 56 on one side. Retaining clip 50 can also be a standard “C”clip. Once retaining clip 50 is connected to housing 14 using adhesiveor simple friction, the entire command module 20 is slid into position,mounted on modified ring 52. The bulbous protrusion 56 is fitted into agroove 54 on modified ring 54, and command module 20 snaps into place onmodified ring 52 where it is held by the union of bulbous protrusion 56and groove 54. In some embodiments, one or more spacers can be disposedwithin command module 20, on either side of RFID tag 6 disposed withinbuffer ring 8. The one or more spacers can be either substantiallypermissive or substantially inhibiting, as described above.

In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 6, a hollow cap 60 is used to holdthe RFID tag instead of the previously-described housing. As withpreviously-described cap 2, hollow cap 60 is formed from a gemstone, asynthetic or imitation gemstone, or like material including glass orplastic. Also, hollow cap 60 has a convex, substantially hemisphericalsurface and a flat surface. In the alternative, the cap can have aconcave surface and a flat surface. Hollow cap 60 has a recess formed inthe flat surface to hold an RFID tag 6 and buffer ring 8. In theillustrated embodiment, RFID tag 6 is disposed within buffer ring 8,which is then disposed within hollow cap 60. Hollow cap 60 is thenaffixed to a bezel setting 62 or similar plate, which has a screw post66 that is rotatably insertable into a threaded slot 68 in ring 64. Insome embodiments, one or more spacers can be included on either side ofRFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. The one or more spacers can beeither substantially permissive or substantially inhibiting, asdescribed above.

In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 7, a ring 72 has a channel 74 throughits top portion. In some embodiments, the channel 74 is cylindrical andincludes a notch 76 cut the full circumference of the channel 74.Channel 74 is sized to hold RFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8.Notch 76 is sized to hold bottom retainer 78 in place. Bottom retainer78 is formed from a flexible material, such as semi-rigid plastic, so itcan be inserted and removed from notch 76. The diameter of bottomretainer 78 is larger than the diameter of channel 74 but smaller thanthe diameter of notch 76, allowing bottom retainer 78 to be held inplace when inserted into notch 76. With bottom retainer 78 inserted intonotch 76, buffer ring 8 and RFID tag 6 are disposed within channel 74and sealed in place by cap 79.

Cap 79 may be connected to ring 72 by cement, glue, solder, or anotheradhesive.

As with cap 2, cap 79 is formed from a gemstone, a synthetic orimitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic. Also,cap 79 defines a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and a flatsurface. In an alternative embodiment, cap 72 may define a concavesurface and a flat surface.

In some embodiments, bottom retainer 78 is formed from a material thatis substantially permissive of radio frequency transmission and cap 79is formed from a material that substantially inhibits radio frequencytransmissions. In this embodiment, the effective transmission range ofRFID tag 6 is greatly limited.

In some embodiments, shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a jewelry piece 89comprises an annular body 82 having a channel 74 with a protruding edge83 that retains elements disposed within channel 74. When disposedwithin channel 74, cap 86 is prevented from exiting channel 74 byprotruding edge 83. Cap 86, RFID tag 6, buffer ring 8, battery 84, andbottom retainer 78 are loaded from inner side 87 of channel 74 andretained on outer side 88 of channel 74 by protruding edge 83. In someembodiments, channel 74 may be cylindrical and include a notch 76 cutthe full circumference of channel 74. Channel 74 may be sized to holdRFID tag 6 disposed within buffer ring 8. Notch 76 is sized to holdbottom retainer 78 in place. Bottom retainer 78 is formed from aflexible material, such as a semi-rigid polymer, so it can be insertedand removed from notch 76. The diameter of bottom retainer 78 is largerthan the diameter of channel 74, but smaller than the diameter of notch76, allowing bottom retainer 78 to be held in place when inserted intonotch 76. With bottom retainer 78 inserted into notch 76, buffer ring 8and RFID tag 6 are disposed within channel 74 and held in place by cap86. As with cap 2, cap 86 may be formed from a gemstone, a synthetic orimitation gemstone, or like material including glass or plastic. Also,cap 86 may define a convex, substantially hemispherical surface and aflat surface. In alternative embodiments, cap 86 may define a concavesurface and a flat surface. In some embodiments, bottom retainer 78 maybe replaced with a retaining clip such as retainer clip 50 describedabove. In some embodiments, battery 84 is omitted and RFID tag 6 maycomprise a passive-type tag. In other embodiments, spacers (not shown)are used to ensure RFID tag 6, buffer ring 8, and battery 84 remainimmobilized during use. In some embodiments, additional RFID tags aredisposed within channel 74; multiple RFID strips are used to increasefunctionality or security of jewelry piece 89.

Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, a ring 90 comprises two raisededges 92 defining a channel 94. A printed RFID strip 96 and decorativecover 104 are disposed within channel 94. In some embodiments, a battery102 may also be disposed within the channel and operatively connected toRFID strip 96. Ring 90 is formed from stainless steel, precious metal(gold, silver, platinum, and the like), or other materials suitable forforming jewelry, e.g., carbon fiber or titanium alloys. In someembodiments, ring 90 may be formed from various insulating materialssuch as ceramic, nylon, acrylic, Lexan, or the like, which providenon-radio wave interference properties, allow for low cost ofproduction, low weight, improve esthetics, and can be easy to remove inan emergency.

In some embodiments, a ring formed from ceramic or similar material isgiven the appearance of a precious metal or other metal through chemicalvapor deposition of a metal coating on the exterior surface of the ring.In other embodiments, a ring formed from ceramic or similar material isgiven the appearance of a precious metal or other metal through ionicbeam subsurface deposition of metal below the exterior surface of thering. Such embodiments have the advantage of appearing as metal ringswhile having minimal RF interference due to their ceramic construction.

Ring 90 comprises an inner surface 106, an outer surface 108 defined bythe top surfaces of raised edges 92, and a channel bottom surface 110.In some embodiments, ring 90 is annularly shaped. RFID strip 96comprises a flexible substrate or semiconductor which includes at leastone memory chip 98 and an antenna 100. In some embodiments, RFID strip96 includes at least one RFID tag which may be of any suitable type andconfiguration such as a RFID wafer. In some embodiments, RFID strip 96includes a printed, flexible CMOS integrated circuit. In someembodiments, battery 102 may be constructed from flexible materials,such as a flexible lithium or graphene battery. In some embodiments,additional RFID strips are disposed within channel 94; multiple RFIDstrips are used to increase functionality or security of ring 90.

Decorative cover 104 is dimensioned to fit into channel 94, and formedfrom a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, or like materialincluding glass or plastic. In some embodiments, decorative cover may beformed from a thermo-reactive material which changes color based ontemperature. Decorative cover 104 may take many shape suitable fordecorative and functional purposes. In some embodiments, decorativecover 104 may be connected to raised edges 92 by cement, glue, solder,or other suitable adhesive. In other embodiments, decorative cover 104may be connected to raised edges 92 by friction fitting. In furtherembodiments, an exterior surface 112 of decorative cover 104 may beseated flush with outer surface 108 of ring 90. In yet furtherembodiments, decorative cover 104 may be formed over RFID strip 96 andbattery 102. In many embodiments, decorative cover 104 is operativelyconnected to battery 102 and comprises solar power cells to charge thebatter 102 with solar-generated electricity. In some embodiments,decorative cover 104 includes LED panels which are configured to displayinformation to a user. For example, the panels may be configured todisplay messages regarding the status of the system, such as “00S”indicating the system is out of service or “Low Bat” indicating thebattery power is about to run out of power. As another example, LEDpanels may be configured to display various parameters to a user such astime, date, temperature, or user's pulse.

RFID strip 96 may be disposed on top of channel bottom surface 110, withbattery 102 disposed above and operably connected to RFID strip 96.Decorative cover 104 is disposed above battery 102 and, in manyembodiments without a battery 102, above RFID strip 96. In someembodiments, spacers (not shown) are used to ensure RFID strip 96 and/orbatter 102 remain immobilized during use. Referring to FIG. 9D anassembled jewelry piece 91 includes an RFID strip 96 and battery 102disposed between raised edges 92, channel bottom surface 110, anddecorative cover 104. Exterior surface 112 of decorative cover 104 sitsflush with outer surface 108 of ring 90.

In some embodiments, a plurality of nanocapacitors may be applied to thesurface of or integrated with the material forming ring 90. In someembodiments, the nanocapacitors are graphene nanocapacitors. In someembodiments, the nanocapacitors are formed as disclosed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication 2013/0224394, the entirety of which is hereinincorporated by reference. The nanocapacitors are configured to absorbambient energy, such as solar energy or thermal energy from the user,and convert it to electrical energy to be used by RFID strip 96.

In each of the embodiments presented above a sealant may be used betweencomponents to create a sealed chamber containing the RFID tag. Forexample, in the jewelry piece 100 presented in FIG. 1, a sealant may beused between cap 2 and housing 14. As another example, a sealant may beused between the decorative cover 104 and ring 90 of jewelry piece 91presented in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D. In some embodiments, the sealantmay be silicon-based, in other embodiments the sealant may be an epoxysealer.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a portion or all of theexterior surface of the jewelry piece is finished with a scratchresistant coating such as certain ceramics, diamond chemical vapordeposition, or the like. Further, in some embodiments, each componentdisclosed above which includes at least one exterior surface of thejewelry piece is formed from ceramic, glass, gemstone, carbon fibercomposite, solar cell, LED screen, diamond chemical vapor deposition, orany combination thereof.

The use of RFID tags has spread to innumerable applications, andembodiments of the present disclosure can be applied in numerous ways.In general use, a RFID tag is read by an RFID reader to transfer data onthe tag to the reader. The RFID reader is operatively connected to acomputer or other processing system and transfers data from the tag tothe computer or processing system for use.

By way of example, RFID tags can be used in a key fob to provide keylesslocking and unlocking of a vehicle door. The RFID tag enclosed in thefob uniquely identifies the key associated with a given vehicle. As adriver approaches the vehicle door, a RFID reader located in the doorhandle, door, or elsewhere in the vehicle reads the identifyinginformation contained on the RFID tag. A processing system uses thisidentifying information to determine if the key fob is associated withthe vehicle and should thus be granted access to the vehicle. If the keyfob is positively associated with the vehicle, the processing systemsends a signal to the vehicle door to unlock.

Additional uses of the present disclosure are included in Table 1. Table1 assumes the implementation device (i.e.—vehicle) is equipped with aRFID reader and associated circuitry. The examples in Table 1 areprovided for illustrative purposes and are in no way meant to be a fulllist of potential applications of the present disclosure.

TABLE 1 Applications of the Present Disclosure Keyless starting of avehicle Arming or disarming a security system Opening, locking, orunlocking a residential or commercial door, gate, or equivalent Opening,locking, or unlocking a safe Enabling operation of a firearm Paymentusing credit or debit card information loaded into RFID tag Opening,locking, unlocking, or starting a personal watercraft, motorcycle, ormachinery Enabling use of a cellular telephone Verifying identity at anairport or security checkpoint Verifying identity, license, insurancestatus, and vehicle registration during a traffic stop

The jewelry piece with interchangeable RFID tag disclosed above hasseveral advantages. A jewelry piece provides a convenient andunobtrusive way to carry an RFID tag and is less likely than a badge,key fob, or other RFID tag carrier to be lost or damaged. By making theRFID tag interchangeable through the various means disclosed above, thejewelry piece provides a flexibility to the user to carry with them arange of information. For example, a user can have a jewelry piece witha command module containing an RFID tag loaded with identifyinginformation specific to their professional life, i.e. containing logininformation for their work computer, access information to their office,etc. That same user could then switch command modules, outfitting thejewelry piece with a second command module loaded with personalinformation such as identifying information for specific use at adoctor's office. In various circumstances, a user could chose to limitthe data they carry within their jewelry piece so as to limit thepotential for fraud and identity or information theft. Command modulescould also be exchanged for purely aesthetic purposes.

As yet another advantage of the invention, the jewelry piece withinterchangeable RFID tag may be an entirely covert means of carryinginformation. As will be known to those skilled in the art, RFIDtransceivers and their associated circuitry are capable of securelystoring a substantial amount of information. As disclosed above, thiscircuitry may also monitor and provide real-time information such astime, date, temperature, or user's pulse. The information contained inthe RFID tag may be carried within the jewelry piece and is thus beconcealed from public view.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for conveniently carrying a radiofrequency identification tag comprises a jewelry piece including athreaded slot for receiving a screw post; a cap with a convex,substantially hemispherical surface and a flat surface, the flat surfaceconnected to a housing including the screw post; a radio frequencyidentification tag, disposed within a buffer ring which is disposedwithin the housing; and wherein the housing is operatively connected tothe jewelry piece by rotatably inserting the screw post in the threadedslot.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for carrying a radio frequencyidentification tag within a jewelry ring comprises a jewelry ringincluding a threaded slot; a bezel setting comprising a flat plate and ascrew post, wherein the bezel setting is operatively connected to thejewelry ring by rotatably inserting the screw post into the threadedslot; a cap comprising a convex, substantially hemispherical surface anda flat surface including a recess, and wherein the flat surface isconnected to the bezel setting; and a radio frequency identificationtag, disposed within a buffer ring which is disposed within the recessof said cap.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for carrying a radio frequencyidentification tag within a jewelry ring comprises a jewelry ringincluding a threaded recess; a cap comprising a substantiallyhemispherical portion and a threaded member portion; and a radiofrequency identification tag, disposed within a buffer ring, the bufferring disposed within the threaded recess wherein the threaded recessencloses the radio frequency identification tag and the buffer ring whenthe cap is rotatably inserted into the threaded recess.

A wearable electronic device 200 according to another embodiment of theinvention is shown in FIGS. 10-17 and 21. The wearable electronic device200 has a ring body 210, a substrate 240, a battery 270, an inductivelayer 280, and a shielding layer 290. The major components of thewearable electronic device 200 will now be described in greater detail.

The ring body 210 is shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 13, and includes anouter cover 212, an interface 214, a first side cover 216, a second sidecover 217, and a sizing insert 218.

The outer cover 212, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 15 is an annularmember. The outer cover 212 may be formed from glass, a plastic materialsuch as acrylic glass, a gemstone, a synthetic or imitation gemstone, ora ceramic material. In some embodiments, the material of the outer cover212 includes a plurality of nanocapacitors 213 applied to the surface ofor integrated with the material forming the outer cover 212. Thenanocapacitors 213 may be graphene nanocapacitors. The nanocapacitors213 are configured to absorb ambient energy, such as solar energy orthermal energy from the user, and convert it to electrical energy. Theinterface 214 is disposed on an exterior of the outer cover 212 and maybe located toward one side of the outer cover 212, as shown in FIGS. 10and 11.

As shown in FIG. 10, the interface 214 has a raised portion 214 aprotruding from the exterior of the outer cover 212 to an interfacesurface 214 b. In the shown embodiment, the interface surface 214 b iscircular and the raised portion 214 a is consequently cylindrical. Onewith ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the interfacesurface 214 b may alternatively have a variety of shapes, including asquare or a rectangle. The interface 214 may be formed from a plastic,glass, or metal material.

The first side cover 216 and the second side cover 217, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, are annular members formed from a plastic material. Inthe shown embodiment, the first side cover 216 and the second side cover217 are identically shaped.

The sizing insert 218, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, is an annular memberwhich may be formed from a metal, a plastic, or may be a plastic filledwith carbon. In the shown embodiment, the sizing insert 218 has aplurality of insert passageways 219 extending through the sizing insert218.

The substrate 240 is shown in FIGS. 11-14. In the shown embodiment, thesubstrate 240 is a flexible printed circuit board. As would beappreciated by one with ordinary skill in the art, the substrate 240 mayalternatively be a shaped, rigid printed circuit board. The substrate240 has disposed thereon a processor 242, a memory 244, a plurality ofcapacitive plates 246, a light emitting diode (LED) 248, anaccelerometer 250, a communication module 252, an antenna 254, and abattery management module 256.

The processor 242 may be any form of processor known to those withordinary skill in the art. The memory 244 is connected to the processor242 and is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing softwareinstructions executable by the processor 242.

The plurality of capacitive plates 246 are flat members disposed on thesubstrate 240 which store electrical energy. The plurality of capacitiveplates 246 are each connected to the processor 242, and each send asignal to the processor 242 indicating a change in a stored capacitancevalue.

The LED 248 may be any form of LED known to those with ordinary skill inthe art, such as an RGB LED. The LED 248 is connected to the processor242 and controlled by the processor 242 to illuminate in a range ofcolors with various frequencies and various durations.

As shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of capacitive plates 246 may bearranged linearly and equidistant from one another along the substrate240, with the LED 248 disposed centrally among the plurality ofcapacitive plates 246. In an alternative embodiment of a substrate 240′shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of capacitive plates 246′ may bearranged equidistant from one another and encircling the LED 248.

The accelerometer 250, in the shown embodiment, is a three-axis microelectro-mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer, but as would beappreciated by one with ordinary skill in the art, may be a single-axisor two-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer 250 is connected to theprocessor 242 and sends a signal to the processor 242 indicatingacceleration along each of axes of the accelerometer 250.

The communication module 252 is a device capable of wirelesslycommunicating data over short distances. The communication module 252may, for instance, be a device communicating using short-wavelengthradio waves, such as a Bluetooth device. In the shown embodiment, thecommunication module 252 is a Bluetooth low energy device having acommunication range of at least ten meters. The communication module 252is connected to the processor 242 and the antenna 254, and transmits andreceives data externally of the wearable electronic device 200 via theantenna 254. The antenna 254 may be any form of antenna 254 known tothose with ordinary skill in the art, and may be printed on thesubstrate 240. The antenna 254 may be formed of a conductive material,such as copper, gold, graphene, or other antenna materials known tothose with ordinary skill in the art.

The battery management module 256 is connected to the processor 242 andthe communication module 254. The battery management module 256 receivespower and distributes power to the processor 242 and the communicationmodule 252 within the substrate 240.

The battery 270 is shown in FIGS. 11, 14, 15, and 16. In the shownembodiment, the battery 270 is a flexible lithium-ion battery. Thebattery 270 may alternatively be rigid, and/or may be an aluminum-ionbattery, an alkaline battery, or other type of battery known to thosewith ordinary skill in the art.

The inductive layer 280 and the shielding layer 290 disposed on thesizing insert 218 are shown in FIGS. 11 and 16. The inductive layer 280is formed of a material capable of receiving an inductive charge, suchas copper, aluminum, graphene, or other materials capable of receivingan inductive charge known to those with ordinary skill in the art. Inthe shown embodiment, the inductive layer 280 is formed as a coildisposed on the sizing insert 218, but the inductive layer 280 couldalternatively be printed on the sizing insert 218. The shielding layer290 comprises a magnetic shielding material, such as a metal material.

The assembly of the wearable electronic device 200 will now be describedin greater detail with reference to FIGS. 11-16.

The battery 270 is electrically connected to the substrate 240 at thebattery management module 256, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, and providespower to the substrate 240. The connected battery 270 and substrate 240are bent or otherwise positioned within the outer cover 212, as shown inFIG. 15. The substrate 240 is positioned within the outer cover 212 suchthat, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the interface 214 is aligned with theLED 248 and is positioned proximate the plurality of capacitive plates246, aligned with a center of the plurality of capacitive plates 246.The interface 214 may overlap a portion of the plurality of capacitiveplates 246.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 16, the inductive layer 280 is disposedcircumferentially around an exterior of the sizing insert 218, and theshielding layer 290 is disposed circumferentially around the inductivelayer 280. The sizing insert 218 having the inductive layer 280 and theshielding layer 290 disposed thereon is positioned within the battery270 and substrate 240, as shown in FIG. 15.

The first side cover 216 and the second side cover 217 are attached toopposite ends of the outer cover 212 and the sizing insert 218, as shownin FIGS. 10, 11, and 16, using an adhesive, such as a silicone adhesive,an epoxy, or other adhesives known to those with ordinary skill in theart. An exterior edge of the first side cover 216 is attached to a firstend of the outer cover 212, and an interior edge of the first side cover216 is attached to a first end of the sizing insert 218. An exterioredge of the second side cover 217 is attached to an opposite second endof the outer cover 212, and an interior edge of the second side cover217 is attached to an opposite second end of the sizing insert 218. Theassembly of the ring body 210 including the outer cover 212, the sizinginsert 218, the first side cover 216, and the second side cover 217 thusdefines an annular receiving space 220 within the ring body 210 in whichthe substrate 240, battery 270, inductive layer 280, and shielding layer290 are disposed.

The wearable electronic device 200 is charged by a charger 258 shown inFIG. 14. The charger 258 forms an electrical connection with the batterymanagement module 256 and transfers power to the battery managementmodule 256. The battery management module 256 transmits the receivedpower to charge the battery 270, and also distributes power from thebattery 270 and charger 258 to the processor 242 and communicationmodule 252. The charger 258 may be a contact charger, with portions ofthe charger 258 mating with the plurality of insert passageways 219 tocontact the battery management module 256. The charger 258 mayalternatively be an inductive charger, in which case the charger 258 isinductively coupled to the battery management module 256 via theinductive layer 280 in order to transfer power.

The wearable electronic device 200 is used within a wirelesscommunication system 400 which, as shown in FIG. 17, may also include aplurality of earbuds 300, a mobile computing device 500, and anotherdevice 600.

One of the plurality of earbuds 300 is shown in FIGS. 17-20. The earbud300 has a housing 310, a substrate 330, a battery 350, a speaker 360, amicrophone 370, and a plurality of sensors 380. The major components ofthe earbud 300 will now be described in greater detail.

The housing 310 is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. The housing 310 has anupper cover 312, a lower cover 318, and a dome portion 322.

The upper cover 312, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, has a key 314 disposedapproximately centrally within the upper cover 312. The key 314 ismovable with respect to the rest of the upper cover 312, such as bydepression from a user. The key 314 has an indicator 316. In the shownembodiment, the indicator 316 is a transparent circular portion disposedbiased from a center of the key 314. As would be appreciated by thosewith ordinary skill in the art, the indicator 316 may alternatively betranslucent, and may be a square, rectangle, or any other shape known tothose with ordinary skill in the art. The upper cover 312 is formed of aplastic material.

The lower cover 318, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, is formed to beremovably positioned in a user's ear. The lower cover 318 is formed of aplastic material, and has a lower cover passageway 320 formed at oneend.

The dome portion 322 is shaped to fit in a user's ear canal and has adome passageway 324 formed at one end. The dome portion 322 is formed ofa plastic material.

The substrate 330 is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. In the shown embodiment,the substrate 330 is a flexible printed circuit board. As would beappreciated by one with ordinary skill in the art, the substrate 330 mayalternatively be a shaped, rigid printed circuit board. The substrate330 has disposed thereon a processor 332, a memory 334, a light emittingdiode (LED) 336, a communication module 338, an antenna 340, and abattery management module 342.

The processor 332 may be any form of processor known to those withordinary skill in the art. The memory 334 is connected to the processor332 and is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing softwareinstructions executable by the processor 332.

The LED 336 may be any form of LED known to those with ordinary skill inthe art, such as an RGB LED. The LED 336 is connected to the processor332 and controlled by the processor 332 to illuminate in a range ofcolors with various frequencies and various durations.

The communication module 338 is a device capable of wirelesslycommunicating data over short distances. The communication module 338may, for instance, be a device communicating using short-wavelengthradio waves, such as a Bluetooth device. In the shown embodiment, thecommunication module 338 is a Bluetooth low energy device having acommunication range of at least ten meters. The communication module 338is connected to the processor 332 and the antenna 340, and transmits andreceives data externally of the earbud 300 via the antenna 340. Theantenna 340 may be any form of antenna 340 known to those with ordinaryskill in the art, and may be printed on the substrate 310. The antenna340 may be formed of a conductive material, such as copper, gold,graphene, or other antenna materials known to those with ordinary skillin the art.

The battery management module 342 is connected to the processor 332 andthe communication module 338. The battery management module 342 receivespower and distributes power to the processor 332 and the communicationmodule 338 within the substrate 330.

The battery 350 is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. In the shown embodiment,the battery 350 is a flexible lithium-ion battery. The battery 350 mayalternatively be rigid, and/or may be an aluminum-ion battery, analkaline battery, or any other type of battery known to those withordinary skill in the art. The battery 350 is electrically connected tothe substrate 310 at the battery management module 342, as shown in FIG.20, and provides power to the substrate 310.

The speaker 360 is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The speaker 360 may be anytype of audio speaker known to those with ordinary skill in the art. Thespeaker 360 is connected to the processor 332 and outputs audio based onsignals received from the processor 332.

The microphone 370 is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The microphone 370 mayby any type of microphone known to those with ordinary skill in the art.The microphone 370 is connected to the processor 332 and transmitssignals to the processor 332 based on audio received at the microphone370.

The plurality of sensors 380 are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 and mayinclude a heartrate sensor 382 and a body temperature sensor 384. Theheartrate sensor 382 detects a heartrate of a user and transmits signalsto the processor 332 indicative of the user's heartrate. The bodytemperature sensor 384 detects a body temperature of a user andtransmits signals to the processor 332 indicative of the user's bodytemperature.

The assembly of the earbud 300 will now be described in greater detailwith reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. The substrate 330 is fixed to theupper cover 312 and is positioned such that the LED 336 is aligned withthe indicator 316. The substrate 330 is also connected to the key 314such that movement of the key 314 transmits a signal to the processor332. As shown in FIG. 19, the battery 350, speaker 360, microphone 370,and plurality of sensors 380 are disposed within the housing 310, andthe lower cover 318 is attached to the upper cover 312. The dome portion322 is disposed on the lower cover 318 and the dome passageway 324aligns with the lower cover passageway 320.

The earbud 300 is charged by a charger 390 shown in FIG. 20. The charger390 forms an electrical connection with the battery management module342 and transfers power to the battery management module 342. Thebattery management module 342 transmits the received power to charge thebattery 350, and also distributes power from the battery 350 and charger390 to the processor 332 and communication module 338. The charger 390may be a contact charger, with portions of the charger 390 contactingthe battery management module 342 to electrically connect with thebattery management module 342. The charger 390 may alternatively be aninductive charger, in which case the charger 390 is inductively coupledto the battery management module 342 by an electromagnetic field inorder to transfer power.

Mobile computing device 500 shown in FIG. 17 may be any known mobiledevice executing applications and capable of wireless communication,such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or any other mobile devicesknown to those with ordinary skill in the art.

Other device 600 shown in FIG. 17 may be any other known device capableof wireless communication, such as computers, vehicles, household items,and point of sale (POS) systems.

The use of the wearable electronic device 200 within the wirelesscommunication system 400 will now be described in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 17 and 21-25.

The wearable electronic device 200 is shown positioned on a user'sfinger in FIG. 21. The wearable electronic device 200 is shownpositioned such that a user's thumb can access the interface 214, butthe wearable electronic device 200 could be positioned on any finger andaccessed by any other finger.

The user inputs gestures 700 shown in FIG. 22 to the wearable electronicdevice 200, which can be transmitted throughout the wirelesscommunication system 400. To input a gesture 700, the user moves afinger in various directions relative to the interface 214. As theuser's finger moves over the interface 214, the user's finger is alsomoving relative to the plurality of capacitive plates 246 positionedwithin the outer cover 212 around the interface 214. As the user'sfinger is positioned over or moves with respect to each of the pluralityof capacitive plates 246, a stored electrical energy in each capacitiveplate of the plurality of capacitive plates 246 changes dependent on therelative position and movement of the user's finger. Each of theplurality of capacitive plates 246 sends a signal indicating a change inthe stored electrical energy to the processor 242. The processor 242,executing software stored on the memory 244, compares the relativechanges in stored electrical energy of each of the plurality ofcapacitive plates 246, and based on this information, determines theposition and movement of the user's finger corresponding to a gesture700. The plurality of capacitive plates 246 thus act as a capacitivetouch sensor on the wearable electronic device 200.

The gestures 700 shown in FIG. 22 include tap gestures 710 and swipegestures 720, 720′.

For the tap gestures 710, the user moves his finger only in a verticaldirection and touches the interface 214. Variations in the duration ofthe tap and the number of consecutive taps determine the range ofpossible tap gestures 710. The tap gestures 710 are the same for boththe substrate 240 shown in FIG. 12 and the substrate 240′ shown in FIG.13.

For the swipe gestures 720, 720′, the user moves his finger horizontallyover the interface 214 in various directions. First swipe gestures 720are associated with the substrate 240 shown in FIG. 12. In the substrate240, the plurality of capacitive plates 246 are arranged linearly, andthe user can input a swipe left or a swipe right gesture over theinterface 214. The number of consecutive swipes and combinations of leftand right swipe directions determine the range of possible first swipegestures 720. Second swipe gestures 720′ are associated with thesubstrate 240′ shown in FIG. 13. In the substrate 240′, the plurality ofcapacitive plates 246′ are arranged in a circular pattern, and the usercan input a swipe left, a swipe right, a swipe up, a swipe down, a swipediagonal up-left, a swipe diagonal up-right, a swipe diagonaldown-right, and a swipe diagonal down-left over the interface 214. Thenumber of consecutive swipes and combinations of swipe directionsdetermine the range of possible second swipe gestures 720′.

Once the processor 242 determines which gesture 700 the user has input,the processor 242 compares the gesture 700 to a list of user-definableactions 900 for each state 1000 of the wearable electronic device 200,as shown in FIG. 24. The list of user-definable actions 900 correlatedwith states 1000 of the wearable electronic device 200 and gestures 700is stored in the memory 244. The processor 242 retrieves thecorresponding user-definable action 900, and controls the relevantcomponent to execute the user-definable action 900 associated with thegesture 700 and state 1000. Exemplary user-definable actions 900 andstates 1000 of the wearable electronic device 200 associated withgestures 700 will be described in greater detail below.

The wearable electronic device 200 receives notifications 800 shown inFIG. 23 from the wireless communication system 400. The notifications800 occur at the LED 248 aligned with the interface 214. Thenotifications 800 can vary in color 810, number of illuminated flashes820, and duration of each illuminated flash 830. Combinations of colors810, number of flashes 820, and duration of flashes 830 determine therange of possible notifications 800. The notification 800 light emittedby the LED 248 illuminates at least a portion of the outer cover 212surrounding the interface 214.

Based on signals received from the wireless communication system 400,described in greater detail below, the processor 242 compares acondition 1100 dictated by the received signals to a list ofnotifications 800 correlated to conditions 1100 stored in the memory 244and shown in FIG. 25. The processor 242 retrieves the notification 800correlated to the condition 1100 and controls the LED 248 to emit thecorrelated notification 800.

The use of the gestures 700 and notifications 800 within the wirelesscommunication system 400 will now be described in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 17 and 21-25.

A set of notifications 800 can be associated with a state of chargecondition 1100 of a state of charge of the battery 270 of the wearableelectronic device 200. Notifications 800 may, for example, illuminatethe LED 248 to flash 820, 830 a red color 810 when the processor 242 hasreceived a signal indicating that the battery 270 has a low charge, mayilluminate the LED 248 a solid red color 810 when the wearableelectronic device 200 is connected to the charger 258, and mayilluminate the LED 248 a solid white color 810 when the battery 270 isfully charged.

The wearable electronic device 200 is wirelessly connected with themobile computing device 500 and the plurality of earbuds 300. Thewearable electronic device 200 is paired with each of the mobilecomputing device 500 and one of the plurality of earbuds 300 to initiatethe wireless connection.

A set of gestures 700 can be associated with pairing actions 900 for apairing state 1000. A user inputs a gesture 700 at the interface 214 toinitiate wireless pairing, for example, by inputting a single tap 710 ofa predetermined duration. Once available for pairing, the communicationmodule 252 of the wearable electronic device 200 connects with thecommunication module 338 of the earbud 300 and a similar communicationmodule in the mobile computing device 500. The communication module 338of the earbud 300 and the communication module of the mobile computingdevice 500 are also connected. The user may input another gesture 700 toinitiate a pairing confirmation on a paired device, and may input afurther gesture 700 to terminate the wireless pairing, for example, byinputting a single tap 710 of a predetermined duration.

A set of notifications 800 can also be associated with pairingconditions 1100 of the wearable electronic device 200, the earbud 300,and the mobile computing device 500. A notification 800 can indicatethat pairing has been initiated, and another notification 800 canindicate that pairing has been completed.

Once connected, the wearable electronic device 200, the earbud 300, andthe mobile computing device 500 can wirelessly exchange data via thecommunication modules 252, 338. The earbud 300 can, for example,transmit data from the plurality of sensors 380 to the mobile computingdevice 500 via the communication module 338. The wearable electronicdevice 200 can transmit accelerometer 250 data to the mobile computingdevice 500 via the communication module 252.

A set of notifications 800 can be associated with correspondenceconditions 1100 received at the mobile computing device 500. Forexample, when the mobile computing device 500 receives an incoming call,the mobile computing device sends a signal to the wearable electronicdevice 200, which is received by the communication module 252 and sentto the processor 242. The processor 242 compares the received call datato the list shown in FIG. 25 stored in the memory 244, and executes thenotification 800 associated with the received call data, for example, bycontrolling the LED 248 to flash 820, 830 a white color 810. Anothernotification 800 can be associated with received email correspondence,and a further notification 800 can be associated with received textcorrespondence.

A further set of notifications 800 can also be associated with knownapplication conditions 1100 executed on the mobile computing device 500.For example, a separate notification 800 can be associated with each ofa calendar application alert, a TWITTER alert, an INSTAGRAM alert, and aFACEBOOK alert, among conditions 1100 of other applications known tothose with ordinary skill in the art.

Gestures 700 input to the wearable electronic device 200 are determinedby the processor 242 and compared to the list of actions 900 and states1000 shown in FIG. 24. When the action 900 involves either the mobilecomputing device 500 or the earbuds 300, the processor 242 sends asignal indicating the action 900 to the earbuds 300 and the mobilecomputing device 500 via the communication module 252. The processor 332of the earbud 300 and a processor of the mobile computing device 500receive the signal and control the corresponding components to executethe action 900.

A set of gestures 700 can be associated with notification actions 900 ina notification state 1000. A gesture 700 can be used to togglenotifications 800 on and off, and another gesture 700 can be used torecall previous notifications 800; each of these gestures 700 isdetermined by the processor 242 and used directly to control the LED248.

A set of gestures 700 can be associated with phone call actions 900 onthe mobile computing device 500 in a phone call state 1000. When a callis incoming, a gesture 700 can be used to reject the call, and anothergesture 700 can be used to answer the call. If the call is answered, theaudio received at the mobile computing device 500 may be transmitted tothe earbuds 300 and played via the speakers 360. The microphone 370receives audio and transmits the audio back to the mobile computingdevice 500. During the call, a gesture 700 can be used to increase thevolume of the speakers 360, another gesture 700 can be used to decreasethe volume of the speakers 360, a further gesture 700 can be used to endthe phone call, and an additional gesture 700 can be used to toggle theaudio between the earbud 300 and the mobile computing device 500.

A set of gestures 700 can be associated with text message actions 900 onthe mobile computing device 500 in a text message state 1000. A gesture700 can be used to initiate a text message, various gestures 700 can beused to input text into the text message, and a gesture 700 can be usedto send the text message.

A set of gestures 700 can be associated with email actions 900 on themobile computing device 500 in an email state 1000. A gesture 700 can beused to initiate an email message, various gestures 700 can be used toinput text into the email message, and a gesture 700 can be used to sendthe email message.

A set of gestures 700 can be associated music output actions 900 oneither the mobile computing device 500 or the earbuds 300 in a musicoutput state 1000. A gesture 700 can be used to play and pause themusic, another gesture 700 can be used to increase the volume, anothergesture 700 can be used to decrease the volume, another gesture 700 canbe used to skip to the next song, and another gesture 700 can be used toskip to the previous song.

A set of gestures 700 can be associated with music input actions 900 oneither the mobile computing device 500 or the earbuds 300 in a musicinput state 100. A plurality of gestures 700 could individuallycorrespond to musical notes output at the mobile computing device 500 orthe earbuds 300.

The lists of gestures 700 and notifications 800 described above andshown in FIGS. 24 and 25 are merely exemplary. One with ordinary skillin the art would understand that many other applications andcombinations of gestures 700 and notifications 800 are possible.

The wearable electronic device 200 can also communicate otherinformation stored in the memory 242 to external devices.

The wearable electronic device 200 can automatically communicateidentification information stored in the memory 242 to external devices.For example, a passcode for the mobile computing device 500 may bestored in the memory 242, and when the communication module 252 iswithin a communication range of the mobile computing device 500, theprocessor 242 automatically executes software stored in the memory 242to transmit the passcode to the mobile computing device 500 via thecommunication module 252. Whenever the user of the wearable electronicdevice 200 is within a communication range of his mobile computingdevice 500, the mobile computing device 500 receives the passcode,compares the passcode to a stored passcode, and automatically unlocks ifthe passcodes match. The wearable electronic device 200 could similarlyunlock other devices 600 shown in FIG. 17 such as computers, vehicles,and household items.

The wearable electronic device 200 can also communicate paymentinformation to external devices. For example, when the communicationmodule 252 is within communication range of a point of sale (POS) system600, the user can input a gesture 700 to make payment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable electronic device, comprising: a ringbody defining an annular receiving space within the ring body and havingan interface disposed on an exterior of the ring body, the ring body hasan outer cover on which the interface is disposed, a first side cover, asecond side cover, and a sizing insert defining the annular receivingspace; and a substrate disposed in the annular receiving space andhaving a plurality of capacitive plates positioned proximate theinterface.
 2. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein theinterface consists of only a single material.
 3. The wearable electronicdevice of claim 2, wherein the interface is formed of a plastic, glass,or metal material.
 4. The wearable electronic device of claim 2, whereinthe interface is a raised portion protruding from the exterior of theouter cover to an interface surface.
 5. The wearable electronic deviceof claim 1, wherein the interface is opaque.
 6. The wearable electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a flexible printed circuitboard.
 7. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the ringbody has a fixed, non-deformable annular shape.
 8. The wearableelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the annular receiving spaceextends in a continuous circle within the ring body.
 9. The wearableelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the ring body is sized to fit auser's finger.
 10. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising a short-wavelength radio wave communication module disposedon the substrate.
 11. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising a battery disposed in the annular receiving space andconnected to the substrate.
 12. The wearable electronic device of claim1, further comprising an accelerometer disposed on the substrate. 13.The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the outer cover has aplurality of nanocapacitors.
 14. The wearable electronic device of claim13, wherein each of the nanocapacitors is a graphene nanocapacitor. 15.The wearable electronic device of claim 13, wherein the nanocapacitorsare configured to absorb an ambient energy and convert the ambientenergy into an electrical charge.
 16. The wearable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the sizing insert has an insert passageway extendingthrough the sizing insert and configured to receive a charger.
 17. Thewearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the substrate has amemory including a plurality of gestures stored thereon correlated witha plurality of actions of the wearable electronic device.
 18. Thewearable electronic device of claim 17, wherein the plurality ofgestures and the plurality of actions are further correlated with aplurality of states of the wearable electronic device in the memory. 19.The wearable electronic device of claim 17, wherein the plurality ofgestures are received at the interface by the plurality of capacitiveplates and a processor disposed on the substrate.
 20. A wearableelectronic device, comprising: a ring body defining an annular receivingspace within the ring body and having an interface disposed on anexterior of the ring body; and a substrate disposed in the annularreceiving space and having a plurality of capacitive plates positionedproximate the interface, the substrate has a memory including aplurality of gestures stored thereon correlated with a plurality ofactions of the wearable electronic device, the plurality of gestures andthe plurality of actions are further correlated with a plurality ofstates of the wearable electronic device in the memory.
 21. A wearableelectronic device, comprising: a ring body defining an annular receivingspace within the ring body and having an interface disposed on anexterior of the ring body; and a substrate disposed in the annularreceiving space and having a plurality of capacitive plates positionedproximate the interface, the substrate has a memory including aplurality of gestures stored thereon correlated with a plurality ofactions of the wearable electronic device, the plurality of gestures arereceived at the interface by the plurality of capacitive plates and aprocessor disposed on the substrate.